Algae Eraser

ABSTRACT

The present invention discloses an automatic air condition drain line flush pump that is set on a timer that flushes algae and slime cleaner through the drain line preventing water from backing up due to clogged drain line and overflowing. The prevention of reverse airflows and reduction of microbial and bacterial growth will have a positive impact of Indoor Air Quality.

BACKGROUND Copyright Notice

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialwhich is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever.

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to automatic air condition drain lineflush pump that is pre-set at regular intervals on a timer that flushesalgae and slime through the drain line preventing water from backing updue to clogged drain line and seemingly flowing in reverse.

Description of the Related Art

The following background information may present examples of specificaspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts,or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educatethe reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to beconstrued as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof,to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

The present invention relates to air conditioning systems, and, inparticular, to an automated system for cleaning out the drain line of anair conditioning system to prevent the build-up of algae or othergrowth.

Every year millions of dollars are spent to repair the damage done fromclogged and overflowing evaporator drain lines and pans. The average airconditioning unit produces between five and eight gallons a day ofcondensate when in operation. If the drain line is clogged, it does nottake long to overflow the drain pan and cause considerable damage toflooring, ceiling, carpet, as well as possible damage to adjacenthousing units. There also can be significant cost from mold and mildewdamage. This damage often is not covered by insurance.

The key to prevention is having the drain lines treated on a regularbasis with bleach or some other biocide fluid. The problem is gettingthe treatment done on a regularly scheduled basis. In 2004, almost fortypercent of home purchases were second homes for investment or vacationproperties. This absentee ownership adds to the problem of scheduledmaintenance or the detection of a problem before it can cause anydamage. According to the UN Atlas of the Oceans, forty-four percent ofthe world's population lives within 150 kilometers of a coastline. Inthe United States, around fifty-three percent of the population liveswithin 50 miles of the oceans, and since 1970 there have beenapproximately 2000 homes per day erected in coastal areas. This meansthat there is an ever-increasing number of homes which are subjected tohigh humidity and need algae protection for their air conditionerevaporator drain lines.

Prior art devices for dealing with the algae build-up in the evaporatorportion of the air conditioning unit have several limitations, includingthe following:

The devices add a trickle amount of biocide to the drain pan of theevaporator on a continuous basis or on an intermittent but frequentbasis. This small amount of flow over the large area of the drain panresults in a very low flow velocity, which is insufficient to wash awayany solids. Because the biocide is added on a continuous basis (or on anintermittent but frequent basis), the storage tank holding the biocideis promptly depleted, requiring frequent refilling by the user. If theuser is absent for an extended period of time, the device does not getrefilled and problems ensue.The biocide is present on a continuous basis over the large exposed areaof the drain pan. This results in objectionable odors during operation,as well as the presence of fumes which may, damage parts of the airconditioning unit.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,427,458 discloses the use of a pump with check valvesattached to one end of a drain line which drains condensate from an airhandler. A handle on the pump is used to create respectively a vacuum orpressure within the pump which is communicated to the drain line. Whensufficient vacuum or pressure is created, it will dislodge a blockage inthe drain line allowing the drain line to naturally drain. A valve isplaced at one end of the pump which allows accumulated liquid in acollection pan to be pumped from the collection pan in the process ofclearing condensate from the air handler.

U.S. Publication No. 2011/0061745 discloses an automated condensatedrain line cleaning apparatus. The fluid flow regulation device may beelectrically coupled with the controller to receive at least one controlsignal from the controller. The fluid flow regulation device may cause afluid to flow into a condensate drain line through the fluid supply lineresponsive to at least one control signal.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,530,988 discloses a device for unclogging pipes or otherlines. The device includes a canister adapted to receive a pressurizedgas, the canister having at a first end a first valve adapted to becoupled to the pipe or line that is to be unclogged. The canister has ata second end a closure element, the closure element having a secondvalve attached thereto, the second valve adapted to connect to a sourceof pressurized gas. The canister further has a pressure gauge coupledthereto for indicating the pressure in the canister. The pressurized gasis fed into the canister through the second valve, and pressurized gasin the canister is fed to the pipe or line to be unclogged by means ofthe first valve. A method and device for providing an additive, such asa cleaning product, to a tank or line is also disclosed.

U.S. Pat. No, 6,041,611 discloses a manifold operatively placed in fluidcommunication with the condensate drain line. A water stream, which isoperatively connected with the first line, is provided so that the waterstream may be channeled through the manifold and into the condensatedrain line.

U.S. Publication No. 2006/0042292 discloses a method of removingmicrobial and bacterial growth inside a blocked HVAC condensate drainline using compressed air without cutting into or disassembling thedrain line.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,156,956 discloses an assembly that mounts between thedrain pan and the drain line. A shut off valve shuts off the passage tothe pan while maintenance is performed. Male members may have differentterminations at a second end, including a barbed tube for resilienttubing, a compressed air tire valve for delivering gas, a compressednitrogen coupling, a tapered funnel for the nozzle of a vacuum/blower,and a water sensor.

Several devices have proposed placing special valves in a drain line tofacilitate the clearing of air conditioning drain lines. Potter, U.S.Pat. No. 6,608,023; Palmer, U.S. Pat. No. 6,041,611; Junkin, U.S. Pat.No. 5,964,238; and, Potter, U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,458 all proposeplacement of valves in a drain line to allow introduction of eithersuction or air pressure or a hydraulic pressure to clear a drain line.

None of the prior art methods have been found to be completely suitableto meet these needs and are cumbersome. The present invention providessuch a method and the overall combination of these features is nowheredisclosed in the prior art cited above which appears to berepresentative of the general art in this area although it is notintended to be an all-inclusive listing of pertinent prior art patents.

SUMMARY

In light of the disadvantages of the prior art, the following summary isprovided to facilitate an understanding of some of the innovativefeatures unique to the present invention and is not intended to be afull description. A full appreciation of the various aspects of theinvention can be gained by taking the entire specification, claims, andabstract as a whole.

The present invention is an automatic air condition drain line flushpump that functions at regular intervals that flushes algae and slimecleaner through the drain line preventing water from backing up due toclogged drain line and overflowing.

The invention provides automated, scheduled applications of a flushingsolution into the evaporator drain line.

Particularly, the invention pump of the present invention is capable ofoperating over an extended period of time without fouling of thereservoir or dogging of the drain line.

It is principal object of the invention to provide a device that allowsfor pvc hose adapter, a timer mode, wall mount pump and general PVCfittings to assemble injection head. When the electric motor is notoperating, gravity causes the drain pipe to continue its normaloperation, whereby the condensate exits the drain pipe, then enters theinlet port, flows through the rotor, and exits through the dischargeport.

Another object of the present invention is that the drains coming fromthe indoor evaporator coils are very prone to algae buildup due to thecold water that goes through the pipes constantly. The algae Eraser thatis pumped into the drain lines eats up all the algae instantly keepingdrains clean and flowing.

It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements andarrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which isinexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing itsintended purposes.

This Summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some exampleembodiments, so as to provide a basic understanding of some aspects ofthe subject matter described herein. Accordingly, it will be appreciatedthat the above-described features are merely examples and should not beconstrued to narrow the scope or spirit of the subject matter describedherein in any way. Other features, aspects, and advantages of thesubject matter described herein will become apparent from the followingDetailed Description, and Claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer toidentical or functionally similar elements throughout the separateviews, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated inand form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrateembodiments of concepts that include the claimed invention, and explainvarious principles and advantages of those embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a side view of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a back view of the invention.

FIG. 4 is another side view of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a view of the connection with AC unit and the invention.

FIG. 6 is a view of the wiring of the system.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures areillustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily beendrawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements inthe figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help toimprove understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

The apparatus and method components have been represented whereappropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only thosespecific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments ofthe present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with detailsthat will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the arthaving the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and isnot intended to limit the described embodiments or the application anduses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary”or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, orillustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or“illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other implementations. All of the implementationsdescribed below are exemplary implementations provided to enable personsskilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure andare not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is definedby the claims. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by anyexpressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field,background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It isalso to be understood that the specific devices and processes describedin the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of theinventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Specific dimensionsand other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosedherein are therefore not to be considered as limiting, unless the claimsexpressly state otherwise.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by onehaving an ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. Itwill be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonlyused dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that isconsistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and thepresent disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overlyformal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

In describing the invention, it will be understood that a number oftechniques are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefit and eachcan also be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases all,of the other disclosed techniques. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity,this description will refrain from repeating possible combination in anunnecessary fashion. Nevertheless, the specifications and claim/s shouldbe read with the understanding that such combinations are entirelywithin the scope of the invention and the claim/s.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 to FIG. 6 is a block flow diagram ofan automated condensate drain line cleaning method, according toembodiments of the invention.

The method of the present invention helps to remove material from thecondensate drain line. This may help to prevent, or at least reduce, thelikelihood, of condensate overflow and its associated damage.Accordingly, this method aims to provide a preventative solution thatmay help to prevent property damage from occurring.

It is desirable object of the present invention to prevent drain pansfrom overflowing and causing interior damage to homes and otherbuildings. Odors caused from damaged carpets which can remain wet forextended period of time and be a source of microbial and bacterialgrowth and cause a reduction in IAQ and unhealthy to the user. It isdesirable to prevent air inflows into the air conditioning system as aresult of a “dry condensate trap”.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a device thatallows for pvc hose adapter, a timer mode, wall mount pump and generalPVC fittings to assemble injection head. When the electric motor is notoperating, gravity causes the drain pipe to continue its normaloperation, whereby the condensate exits the drain pipe, then enters theinlet port, flows through the rotor, and exits through the dischargeport.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader toquickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It issubmitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpretor limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in theforegoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features aregrouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamliningthe disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted asreflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require morefeatures than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as thefollowing claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than allfeatures of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claimsare hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claimstanding on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

1) The present invention is a unit connected to air-conditioning forremoval of blockages within the drain line by the introduction ofpressure into the line, and is comprised of; a. flush pump; b. ¾″×⅜″ PVChose adapter; c. Automated timer built in; d. Wall mount pump with ½gallon sump built in for cleaner to be injected through AC drain line.2) A cleaning port of the device, adapted to allow the introduction of acleaning fluid for removal of any blockages or microbial growth withinthe line. 3) The Automatic Air Condition drain line flush pump that isset on an automatic timer that flushes algae and slime cleaner throughthe drain line preventing water from backing up due to clogged drainline and overflowing.